(6-1-2011) It was a final night of amazing Jazz sounds as well as sponsor appreciation featuring the champion #1 high school band in the country, winner of the Essentially Ellington competition: Dillard Center for the Arts Jazz Ensemble lead by Instrumental Music Director Mr. Christopher Dorsey.

During this event, Mr. Bobby Ramirez, Founder and President of Jazzonian was granted the opportunity to present the 2011 “Excellence in Jazz Education” Jazzonian Legacy Award to Mr. Dorsey in recognition of his hard work, commitment to excellence, and outstanding achievement. Jazzonian also made a charitable contribution of $500 to the DCA Jazz program.

Also, Bobby Ramirez was surprised and delighted to receive a Certificate of Appreciation from Mr. Dorsey for his generous support of the Dillard Center for the Arts Jazz Ensemble.

Said Ramirez: “Two years ago when Jazzonian was established, it was inspired by one simple question: How did I get here?”

“Today, in celebrating this great accomplishment by the music students of the Center for the Arts Jazz Ensemble, it is also appropriate to ask yourself: How did I get here? Why? Because this is a defining moment for these kids.”

“One or two years from now, anyone of these kids will say: ‘I want to be an astronaut’, ‘I want to be a scientist’. ‘I want to be an engineer’, ‘I want to make a difference in the world.’ AND you will know that: YES, it is possible! Yes, I CAN DO THIS!!”

“What is significant here is that these kids have become high achievers. Sometime in the beginning of the school year, each made a conscience choice to be the best; to set the bar high; inspired by their band director’s “BE THE BEST” work ethic; come together as a team; rising above the ordinary to become exceptional. And each of them will cherish and be inspired by this accomplishment for the rest of their lives.”

“Parents and teachers also played in significant roll in this accomplishment. And these kids will remember their love and support that made this moment of great achievement possible.”

“In this time and place, the art of Jazz inspired greatness! But, also thinking about all those young Jazz musicians that worked hard from many fine educational institutions here in South Florida and throughout the US, it should serve as an inspiration that America’s most unique and original artform: Jazz is worth preserving, advancing, and celebrating for generations to come!”

Jazzonian is proud to salute all the Jazz educators that work hard--othentimes with little or no recognition; often going the extra mile by working extra hours (many times off the clock)--in the service of Jazz helping to preserve, advance, and celebrate this precious American artform; helping to shape the hearts and minds of the next generation of Jazz musicians and audiences.

"I am" short film presentation premiered at the 2nd Annual South Florida Jazz Summit. Watch it and be inspired.

Make a tax-deductable donation to JAZZONIAN. Invest in the future of Jazz! Click here!

JAZZONIAN Traveling ExhibitAs part of our commitment to inspire, educate, and bring people together, JAZZONIAN is available as a traveling exhibit to local community schools, institutions and organizations seeking to create more awareness of Jazz while celebrating the rich history of this unique American art form. If you would like JAZZONIAN to be part of your special event, contact Bobby Ramirez, info@jazzonian.org

About Latin JazzJazzonian proudly presents Latin Jazz Player: a virtual educational cultural arts initiative produced by Bobby Ramirez that is part of the Jazzonian online multimedia experience honoring the great musicians that made significant contributions in helping to shape the sound of this classic American music artform. Latin Jazz Player also serves as a quick one-stop educational guide for music students, as well as helping music teachers articulate and present Latin Jazz as part of a school music curriculum.